§ 14-419. Investigation of suspected violations; seizure and examination of reptiles; disposition of reptiles.
§ 14‑419. Investigationof suspected violations; seizure and examination of reptiles; disposition ofreptiles.
In any case in which any law‑enforcementofficer or animal control officer has probable cause to believe that any of theprovisions of this Article have been or are about to be violated, it shall bethe duty of the officer and the officer is authorized, empowered, and directedto immediately investigate the violation or impending violation and to seizethe reptile or reptiles involved, and the officer is authorized and directed todeliver: (i) a reptile believed to be venomous to the North Carolina StateMuseum of Natural Sciences or to its designated representative for examinationfor the purpose of ascertaining whether the reptile is regulated under thisArticle; and, (ii) a reptile believed to be a large constricting snake orcrocodilian to the North Carolina Zoological Park for the purpose ofascertaining whether the reptile is regulated under this Article. If the Museumor the Zoological Park or their designated representatives find that a seizedreptile is a venomous reptile, large constricting snake, or crocodilianregulated under this Article, the Museum or the Zoological Park or theirdesignated representative shall determine final disposition of the reptile in amanner consistent with the safety of the public. If the Museum or theZoological Park or their designated representatives find that the reptile isnot a venomous reptile, large constricting snake, or crocodilian regulatedunder this Article, and either no criminal warrants or indictments areinitiated in connection with the reptile within 10 days of initial seizure, ora court of law determines that the reptile is not being owned, possessed, used,transported, or trafficked in violation of this Article, then it shall be theduty of the law enforcement officer to return the reptile or reptiles to theperson from whom they were seized within 15 days. (1949, c. 1084, s. 4; 1981,c. 203, s. 1; 1993, c. 561, s. 116(g); 2009‑344, s. 1.)